John Cachat said CCV made the announcement because state lawmakers were considering amending Ohio’s medical marijuana law out of concern that no schools would apply. The law requires the first labs to be hosted at a public college or university, but schools expressed concern that taking part in the program would jeopardize federal funding they rely on because marijuana is still illegal under federal law.
RELATED: State identifies medical pot applicants
“We had a difficult time even finding qualified colleges willing to engage in the conversation” said Jonathan Cachat. “However, we found a unique, entrepreneurial team that recognized the opportunity to provide education with hands on lab experience, create local jobs, and support a functioning medical cannabis system in Ohio.”
Company officials did say the institution isn’t in northeast Ohio. They wouldn’t rule out southwest Ohio. This news organization reached out to officials at Miami University, Wright State, Central State, Ohio State and Sinclair Community College. Spokespeople at all weren’t immediately aware of any involvement in the program.
RELATED: Ohio-based retailer partnering with Canadian medical marijuana company
Neither the governor’s office — which CCV says was made aware of the deal — nor the Ohio Department of Commerce would identify the school, either. Commerce will accept applications for lab licenses from Sept. 11 through Sept. 22.
State law requires for the first year of the medical marijuana program that the quality testing lab be operated by a institution of higher education that is public, located within the state of Ohio and has the resources to operate a lab. After a year, private labs can be licensed.
RELATED: Southwest Ohio allowed to have 15 medical marijuana stores
“The Ohio legislators did a great job in getting colleges involved to assure an unbiased and controlled approach to testing medical cannabis. Other unregulated states have seen ‘lab shopping’ where cannabis product is being taken to whatever test lab gives the best results,” said Dr. Cachat.”
RELATED: Ohio to buy $6 million seed-to-sale marijuana tracking system
CCV Research estimates that by 2020 Ohio’s lab testing industry could be worth half a billion dollars.
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